BRR Update: Tommy Armstrong 6-30-11

Josh Harvey

06/29/2011

Get the latest on the Texas quarterback. Including, does Nebraska's departure of Cody Green mean they are the front runners?

Tommy Armstrong has indicated through the recruiting process the depth chart will be something the Cibolo Steele (TX) quarterback looks at very closely. With the departure of Nebraska back-up Cody Green it appears the Huskers chances have gone up. Nebraska now only has two scholarships quarterbacks on the roster, with Bubba Starling still mulling over football or a multi-million dollar contact from the Royals.

"I talked to Coach Beck about it and he said they really need a quarterback now even more than before," said Armstrong. "They are hoping I visit up there, like it, but they don't want to pressure me. They want me to feel comfortable with the recruiting process. He is telling me that I need to stay in touch and keeping him updated on what is going with my recruitment and progress. It's perfect from my standpoint, because they are keeping in touch with me and making me a priority."

After watching his junior highlights, it's understandable why the coaching staff is chasing after the 3-star quarterback. Ranked just 45th nationally at his position, Armstrong possess the qualities to run the Nebraska system. He can scramble, he can be an efficient passer, and he can get outside the pocket.

The 2012 recruit finished his junior year with with around 1,600 yards passing with 24 touchdowns - to just two interceptions. He also had around 600 yards on the ground with eight rushing touchdowns en route to a state championship. Armstrong is a leader and he's showing it again this summer as Steele plays in 7-on-7 events.

"When we first started were a little confused on the routes were running and where the receivers were always supposed to go," said Armstrong. "But the last week or so we have really gotten it down. We are definitively clicking now on the same page. There is a bond there now with me and the guys."

It's the hope the bond gets stronger. Steele lost 5-star running back Malcolm Brown to graduation, meaning more emphasis will be put on Armstrong and the passing game.

"We definitely are going to be throwing a lot to open things up. The running backs will need the field opened up if they want to be effective," said the soon to be senior.

A few weeks ago Armstrong started to indicate he had no favorites, but Nebraska and Oregon were sticking out. While Nebraska still appears to be in good shape with the Texas product, the Ducks might be slipping. After all, they did receive a commitment from quarterback Jake Rodriguez out of California (also had a Nebraska offer).

"I wouldn't say they have cooled off, but they haven't really talked to me as much, but I think that might be a lot due to the fact I can't be contacted by them right now," said Armstrong. "I'm actually getting ready to go up and see Southern Miss soon one of these Saturday. I have family up there. I want to go up there and look around and talk with the coaching staff.

"The competition at a place like Oregon doesn't bother me. Any college I go to I'm going to have to compete from day one. Even if the depth chart looks favorable right now, they are probably going to recruit another quarterback the next year. So no matter what, I'm going to be competing."

Stick with Big Red Report as we will have more on Armstrong in the coming days on his relationship with Coach Tim Beck.

Josh Harvey has covered college football and recruiting for Fox Sports & Scout.com since 2008. He is now the Publisher of Big Red Report, covering Nebraska athletics. Facebook | Twitter|
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